August 18, 2025 – The Korea National Research Council of Science & Technology announced that researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), led by Dr. Heeyeon Kim and Dr. Yoonseok Choi in collaboration with Prof. WooChul Jung of Seoul National University, have engineered a self-generating catalyst that transforms methane and carbon dioxide into syngas and hydrogen while using just 3% of the nickel required by conventional systems. The work was published in ACS Catalysis.

By fine-tuning lanthanum manganite (LaMnO₃) with calcium substitution, nickel atoms exsolve efficiently to the surface, forming stable nanoparticles and preventing coke deposition. Key results include:

97% less nickel required with equivalent syngas yield,

No coke formation after 500 hours of continuous operation at 800°C,

Superior performance and durability compared to standard Ni/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts.

The innovation reduces raw material costs and enhances catalyst longevity, directly addressing barriers to commercializing dry reforming of methane (DRM). The team noted the approach also has relevance for high-temperature water electrolysis, solid oxide fuel cells, and broader hydrogen energy systems.